Port Vila Dining For Less
Port Vila dining for less.
Although I live and run a tourism business in Port Vila, I do not subscribe to the ridiculous claims that Port Vila is somehow “The gastronomic center of the Pacific”.
It simply is not, these boasts do not fit in with the honesty of the place, they belong either to the naïve, or the embellished advertising blurb that crosses our path.
Port Vila is also tagged as expensive dining, well I recently was in Sydney, and cannot find any justification to that statement either, when comparing prices between the two cities.
Ok, let’s talk truth: Port Vila has some good restaurants and some that simply don’t have a clue, just like anywhere else. Here are my personal favourites, I am not claiming they are the best or it is a complete list, but I like them because they are for the most part unpretentious and have scored them on the basis of (a) have good locations, (b) good food, and (c) value for money…nothing worse than leaving the restaurant with that indigestible “I’ve being ripped off” feeling.
L’Houstalet
Opening hours: 17:00 to 22:00
5 min walk from The Melanesian Hotel & 15 mins from the city.
Special honours go to L’Houstalet; the longest operating restaurant in Vanuatu. Clement, the French owner has been looking after his staff and patrons for over 30 years!
Style: Consistent, laid back atmosphere with different dishes from pizzas to Flying Fox. Portions are smaller in order that you can easily have Entrée, Main and Dessert without costing much.
Ph: +678.22303
Score order: (c) (b) (a)
Au Peche Mignon
Opening hours: 07:30 to 14:30
Close to The Grand Hotel, in the city.
Another institution, owned & operated by a Frenchman, producing the most exquisite cakes and chocolates found in Vanuatu. You cannot leave Port Vila without indulging at “The Sweet Sin”.
Ph: +678.27271
Score order: (b) (a) (c)
Café Deli
Opening hours: 07:30 to 14:00
Opposite the Pacific service station in the town center, close to Hotel Olympic.
Modern gourmet snacks and cosmopolitan food. Air conditioned, always consistent.
Ph: +678.27500
Score order: (b) (c) (a)
Hideaway Island
Opening hours: 07:30 to 22:00
10 mins by car from town followed by 10min boat ride.
On the Beach, feet in the sand dining affair for the whole family on a tropical island. Take your swimmers and make a day of it.
Ph: +678.22963
Score order: (a) (c) (b)
Chill Restaurant & Bar
Opening hours: 11:00am to 24:00
On the water's edge next to the markets, view on the bay and Iririki Island Resort.
Ph: +678.22578
International contemporary. Good value…can be noisy.
Score order: (a) (b) (c)
Harbour View Chinese Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:00 to 22:00
On the hill just out of the city centre.
The most popular Chinese restaurant in Vanuatu. Air conditioned.
Ph: +678. 23668
Score order: (b) (c) (a)
Kanpai Bar & Sushi Japanese Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:00 to 22:00
On Wharf Road that leads to the Cruise ship wharf.
Informal and friendly, Japanese and European cuisine. Views over the bay to Snorkelers Cove Resort.
Ph: +678.26687
Score order: (b) (c) (a)
Nambawan Cafe
Opening hours: 07:30 to 16:00
Great location and meeting place on the Port Vila promenade looking out at Port Vila Harbour.
Light Meals, good coffee, but don’t be in a hurry. Thursday night has open air movies.
Ph: +678.44826
Score order: (b) (c) (a)
Paradise Cove
Opening hours: 07:00 to 22:00
Hidden away in beautiful Paradise Cove, Pango Point, a 15 min drive from town.
A relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, perfect for families, lunches (can swim in pristine waters), or long intimate romantic dinners on the private jetty.
Restaurant features the largest traditional thatched roof on the island..
An a la carte menu with international and local dishes with an Italian twist.
Ph: +678.22701
Score order: (a) (b) (c)
Waterfront Bar & Grill
Opening hours: 11:00 to 22:00
Address: On the water opposite Iririki Island Resort.
Seafood, Tex-Mexican & BBQ Ribs
Friendly, South Seas atmosphere, yachties bar, live music.
Phone: +678.23490
Score order: (a) (c) (b)
Anchor’s Inn
Local's city watering hole, easy going beer garden style on the water's edge, a 5 min walk from Chantillys On The Bay.
Ph: +678.22582
Score order: (a) (c) (b)
I am not a food or restaurant critic, just an average dinner, for much more experienced analysis please see our restaurant page.
Tropical regards from Port Vila, Vanuatu.
John Nicholls
